I fear I’ve done something…
Because this one started as “just a cute idea” – and somehow turned into a pouch that fixes all the annoying things 😅
And honestly? I’m a little bit obsessed.
Meet the Betsy Bow Pouch – a sweet little pouch with a surprisingly clever twist and, of course a bow.
The Pouch That Fixes All the Annoying Bits…
Let’s be honest for a second…
How many zipper pouches have you made that ended up with:
– dented sides
– openings that feel way too small
– or that saggy lining situation 😅
Yeah… same.
So this time, I wanted to do things differently.
This pouch might look sweet… but she’s been carefully designed to actually work.
– She opens nice and wide, even in that cute mini size
– The sides stay smooth (no weird dents at the zipper)
– And the lining fits properly (no flopping or scrunching around inside)
Just a really satisfying pouch you’ll want to make on repeat.
And Let’s Talk About That Bow…
Because we can’t ignore her.
Inspired by my love for Liberty prints, gingham, and my daughter’s ever-growing bow collection… this little detail just had to happen.
I could’ve called it the Betsy Basic Pouch, because it quietly teaches all the essentials. But I wanted her to have just a little more personality than “basic”.
That sweet knot bow adds exactly the right amount of detail – simple, playful, and just enough to make her feel special without overcomplicating the make.
What Makes This Pattern So Good?
This one’s for my confident beginners (and beyond) – the ones who have a made a zipper pouch and felt a bit meh about it… those who are ready to level up their pouch game just a little.
– Learn how to shorten and customise a nylon zipper so you can create a pouch that opens wide – really handy in those smaller sizes
– Say goodbye to dented sides, no pinched zippers and no caved in top corners.
– Get that snug, fitted lining, finally
– Enjoy that soft, squishy quilted texture without the excess bulk
It’s one of those patterns that doesn’t just give you a finished pouch…
it gives you skills you’ll use again and again.
…and maybe a cute, simple bow, you’ll want to add to everything.
Three Sizes… Because One Is Never Enough
I’ve included three practical sizes (because we all know you won’t stop at just one):
Mini Betsy – perfect for coins, lip balm & tiny essentials
Classic Betsy – your everyday go-to
Big Betsy – makeup, sewing bits, travel must-haves
Make one… or make a full set (highly recommend) or maybe just all the mini’s in all the colours. A mini Betsy Bow rainbow maybe?!
What Can You Use It For?
Honestly? Pretty much everything. That mini makes an amazing coin pouch. Ice cream money anyone?! Think makeup bags, travel pouches, sewing notions. Everyday essentials (snacks included… no judgement here) or you know, gifts (the kind people actually keep).
What You’ll Need
Your favourite fabric – now what I just love about this pouch is it looks amazing in just two prints. One for the exterior and one for the bow. For extra oomph, pick contrasting prints and don’t forget to add something fun in for the lining, because you’re definitely going to want to show it off.
And of course scraps welcome, check out this sweet scrappy pieced one I made. If you need a scrappy piecing tutorial, you can find a free one here.
EXTRA loft Fusible fleece – gives your pouch that amazing squishy bouncy goodness, and the perfect stand-up structure – just the right amount of squish without the bulk, especially when we are dealing with small sizes. You can use cotton batting, but I highly recommend the fleece, huge game changer in your bag making.
Zippers with those cute roundy pulls – Now theses are kind of a must because you won’t be able to fit your bow through the tiny hole in the zipper pull without them. These ones below are my fave, and I share where I get them from in the zipper tutorial here. Now you don’t have to have the exact same ones, they can be any size zipper from size #3 – #5 as long as there’s a slightly bigger eye in the pull to put your bow through. If you’re in a pinch, you can use a split ring, too.
Pattern – we can’t forget the pattern right!? you can find it right here.
Let’s Talk Skills
If you can sew a straight line, press a seam, wrangle a zipper, and you have you’re glue stick ready. you can do this. All the instructions are step-by-step with full-colour photos to help you along the way. Plus, there’s no gatekeeping here. I share my best tips and exactly everything I do to make the whole process smooth sailing.
Ready to sew a zipper pouch with no dented sides and a lining that fits like a glove? Well, I’m about to show you how. You’re only one zipper away, my friend.
You can find the pattern here in my Etsy Store.
If you make one, please share it with me. I’d love to see your work. Use the hastags #betsybowpouch or #maandmedesignspattern on Instagram.
Any questions or comments please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I’m only ever an email away.
Happy sewing,
Kellie. xx
Ma & Me Designs 